UL Plumbing Mark FAQ
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Why did UL develop a new Plumbing Mark?
The UL Mark is the most widely used, trusted and recognized safety certification mark in North America: The UL Mark is applied to over 19,200 types of products, including electrical, mechanical, fire resistive, combustion equipment, plumbing, and drinking water products. Over 21 billion UL Marks were applied to products during the past year. The new UL Plumbing Mark is specifically designed to assure customers, retailers and regulatory authorities that products displaying the UL Plumbing Mark have been evaluated to all applicable nationally recognized standards and have demonstrated compliance with both the International Plumbing Code (IPC) and Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
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To which product categories does the UL Plumbing Mark apply?
The UL Plumbing Mark will be rolled out in phases and will initially appear on products covered under the category of plumbing fixture fittings. This product category covers plumbing fixture fittings such as, but not limited to, faucets for sinks, faucets with pullout spouts and sidesprays, hand-held showers, pressure-balanced valves, and thermostatic mixing valves. These devices are intended to be installed and used in accordance with a model plumbing code (IPC or UPC).
The UL Plumbing Mark will be made available to additional product categories as requested by regulators, installers, and manufacturers to address their safety concerns and business objectives.
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What standards are used in evaluation of products labeled with the UL Plumbing Mark?
Products marked with the UL Plumbing Mark will be evaluated to nationally recognized health effect and performance standards, referenced in the model plumbing codes. Additionally, these products have been evaluated to all applicable nationally recognized standards and have demonstrated compliance with both the IPC and UPC plumbing codes.
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How can I determine what standards were used by UL for certification of plumbing products?
All Listed products are categorized in our certification directories (Plumbing and Associated Products Directory and in the Online Certification Directory at www.ul.com) under specific product categories. Every product category contains a guide information page that specifies the standards used in evaluation of the product, and any additional product criteria required by the International Plumbing Code and the Uniform Plumbing Code. The standards used for each product bearing the new UL Plumbing Mark are the applicable standards referenced in the IPC and UPC.
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What version of the standard and model plumbing installation code does UL use, and what happens when new revisions are published?
UL will always ensure that the most recent version of the standards, as referenced in the model plumbing installation codes, is used. When new requirements are adopted in the latest edition of the model plumbing installation codes, an effective date will be established and UL will conduct an industry review of all products to determine compliance with the newly established requirements.
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What happens if I have to make changes to my product to comply with the most recent edition of the standard or model plumbing installation code?
In each case, a reasonable effective date will be established for compliance with the current requirements. Generally, this effective date will range from twelve to eighteen months from the time the review is initiated. When compliance with the current requirements is confirmed, you will be authorized to use the new Plumbing Mark.
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My product has been classified to the UL Water Quality Mark for health-effects testing. Will I be able to use the new Plumbing Mark?
Products that bear the UL Water Quality Mark have been evaluated to all applicable health-effect standards. The new Plumbing Mark is a Listing mark and indicates that the product has been evaluated to all effective health-effect and performance standards requirements and is suitable for installation and use in accordance with both the IPC and UPC plumbing installation codes. Manufacturers interested in the UL Plumbing Mark will need to have their product evaluated against all standards and requirements established for their product category.
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Does the new Plumbing Mark replace the UL Water Quality Mark?
No. The UL Plumbing Mark is an adjunct service that is being offered in addition to other UL Marks. The new Plumbing Mark indicates that the product has been evaluated to all applicable health-effect and performance standards requirements and is suitable for installation and use in accordance with both the IPC and UPC plumbing installation codes. Manufacturers will have the option to use the UL Water Quality Mark in addition to the new Plumbing Mark.
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My product already bears the UL Water Quality Mark. Will I be required to use the new UL Plumbing Mark on my plumbing products?
No. The UL Plumbing Mark is being offered as an adjunct service in addition to other UL Marks. There is no requirement to use the UL Plumbing Mark at this time.
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My products have been certified by other third-party organizations but I am interested in the UL Plumbing Mark. What steps do I need to take to obtain the UL Plumbing Mark on my products?
Contact a UL customer service representative at 1.877.854.3577, who will get you started.
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Is there a mark available for plumbing products Listed to Canadian requirements?
If there is interest, UL can offer this as an additional adjunct service.
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What is the time schedule for implementation of the Plumbing Mark?
The UL Plumbing Mark is currently available for all plumbing fixture fittings products.
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Who do I contact if I have further questions?
You can contact your normal UL contact, or:
Tom Bowman
Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
333 Pfingsten Rd.
Northbrook, IL 60062
1.847.664.3796
E-mail: Thomas.A:Bowman@us.ul.com -
